Mind your 'Beauty' Manners

Times of India

March 02, 2013

2K SHARES

Following certain beauty etiquettes is not only a healthy habit, but also talks a lot about your personality

We kinda learn makeup, both techniques and manners during our growing-up years while observing friends and family. We continue doing some things, while dumping what doesn't suit us. One thing that many women aren't particular about is beauty etiquette. We compile a list of common faux pas women make and etiquette that must be adhered to. Read on:

Tech freak

It's the age of technology and we are all guilty of being glued to our handsets. But talking nineteen to the dozen in a salon or spa is horrible offense. Not only is it extremely annoying for others but also for the attendants and technicians as they constantly navigate around you and your cellphone. Rule out long-winded conversations in such places. If you must answer a call, keep it brief. And turn down the volume on that ringtone. It might be your favourite song. But that's no reason to force it on others.

Lip-ping around the table

Ladies there's a washroom for when you need to "powder your nose". However, fishing out your pocket mirror and then making a big show about reapplying your lipstick or touching up your makeup while at the table is a no-no with a capital N. If you are gonna be swift about reapplying your lipstick, then by all means go ahead. But if like most women you are not that gifted about applying lipstick without the help of a pocket mirror and end up checking out the rest of your makeup too, head to the washroom. There are absolutely no exceptions to this rule.

Helping hand

It is your duty as a woman and fellow makeup user, to help a woman in (makeup) distress. Were you to spot a woman with bleeding lipstick or, much worse, lipstick on her teeth, bring it to her notice immediately. Beauty blunders, on yourself or complete strangers, should be avoided at every cost. Let the victim of the faux pas known what's up. She will be ore than grateful for the tip-off.

Testing makeup

Although you are not allowed to apply makeup testers on your face, you can never be too sure how many hands the tester has been through. Also, taking precautions never hurts anyone. Many women insist on using testers on their faces. Protect your skin and also spare a thought for others and refrain from doing any such thing. Always try out testers on your hand and use disposable brushes or applicators if you can. The least you can do is to wipe out the first layer (for e.g. lipstick) on a clean tissue and then try it on. Hygiene and makeup go hand-in-hand.

Driving and primping

A little narcissism is fine. But preening and primping while driving? Really ladies! Surely, that bleeding lipstick or errant tendril of hair can wait until you have reached your destination and are done driving. There is absolutely no need to indulge in such hazardous behaviour.

Sales assistant etiquette

Most Sales Assistants in makeup aisles are extremely helpful and glad to assist you with products and the right shades. However, they might come across as meddlesome in their eagerness to help you and it is appropriate to firmly but politely put down their suggestions. Be forthcoming about when you want to be left alone as well as when you feel the SA is not helping or is curt.

Grab 'em samples

It is not tardy or a faux pas to ask for samples of makeup products since that precisely what they are for. If a brand is giving out samples, by all means, go ahead and get yourself one. Try it on before splurging on the product. There's nothing to be ashamed of. However, taking one too many samples is downright cheap. Just pick up one for yourself and leave the rest for the janta.

Oops I broke a nail!

Most women think it's okay to whip out their nail filers just about anywhere and everywhere and start filing nails. Although we may think it is a harmless and innocent act that need not be frowned upon, usually filing nails leaves a trail of dust from the nails and dead skin. This can be gross for people around us. Therefore ladies, filing, picking, peeling or grooming nails goes down in the rule book of decorum alongwith biting nails. Restrict it to the cozy confines of a salon or your home and probably the ladies compartment in the local trains!

Guilty of any of the above faux pas? Never mind. You have been warned. Try adhering to these etiquettes. Your girly gang might be used to your makeup habits, but being considerate about others never hurts anyone.